• Orchestra of the Prague Sokol Gymnastic Society: participating orchestra

Národní listy 22/1/1863 published a notice from the Committee of the Czech Gymnastic Society Sokol announcing that ‘Tickets to the entertainment of Sokol on 24th January on Žofín [Island] may be obtained from the office of the gymnastic society at Apollo [Hall] daily from 6 until 9 in the evening, on Saturday from 12 to 4 in the afternoon and in the evening at the box office. Gentlemen are to attend in salon dress. Committee.’ This announcement, published in the Daily News [Denní zprávy] section of Národní listy 22/1/1863 was reprinted with the same wording in the style of an advertisement in the subsequent issue Národní listy 24/1/1863.

The Tagesprogramm daily almanac of social entertainments published by Bohemia 24/1/1863 announced: ‘8 o’clock in the evening in the Žofín Island Hall: Ball of the Gymnastic Society „Sokol“.’ Interestingly, perhaps owing to patriotically sensitive state censorship of what was certain to be a very Czech-nationalist orientated event, no other detailed advance news of this ball appeared in Bohemia, Prager Morgenpost or Národní listy. However, an enthusiastic, unsigned review was published by Národní listy 25/1/1863. The correspondent reported: ‘Ball of the youthful Sokol. Yesterday’s Ball of our youthful Sokol in the Hall of Žofín Island we may include among the most successful of this year’s dance season. These exuberant [bujný – exuberant, vigorous, high-spirited] young figures made a particular impression on the young ladies, these florid manly faces in a halo of ardent patriotism. Attending was the whole of Sokol, and therefore the entertainment was so unrestrained, so truly fraternal. It seemed to us rather to be a circle of familiar friends than a public ball. The ladies’ and gentlemen’s  changing rooms [toilet] were elegant, in parts magnificent, and throughout national [i.e. decorated in native colours etc.]. – In short, it was the first purely national ball to be taking place in Prague. The musical ensemble of the society with its able performance of compositions contributed greatly to the success of the entertainment. The dance hall was tastefully decorated with slavonic colours and with the emblems of the Society. Finally, we cannot forget to praise our vigorous Sokol, itself so sturdily and prudently conceived, and to recommend future balls of Sokol to all nationalists and patriots, to whom we call with a full heart: Hail!’